Immigrant-Native Health Disparities: A Test of the Weathering Hypothesis

Silvia Loi , Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research
Peng Li, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research
Mikko Myrskyla, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research

The weathering hypothesis implies that there is an interaction between age and race or ethnicity that results in disadvantaged groups experiencing a more rapid decline in health than other groups. The weathering hypothesis has been tested based on racial or ethnic identity, less is known about weathering by immigration status. We address three research questions: Are immigrants, and especially immigrant women, ageing in poorer health? Does education protect immigrants from a faster health decline with age? How do income and marital status affect the health trajectories of immigrants and non-immigrants? We focus on Germany and estimate trajectories of declining health and ages at crossover between immigrants and non-immigrants. We find that immigrants, and especially immigrant women, age in poorer health than non-immigrants. We show that high education explains the differential relationship between age, immigrant status, and health. Differences persist after employment and marital status are considered.

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 Presented in Session 107. Migration and Health